Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! We provide flexible financing options to make dental care affordable for every family. We also accept cash, checks, and all major credit cards.

No judgment here! We welcome patients who haven't had dental care in a while. We'll start with a comprehensive exam to assess your current oral health and create a comfortable treatment plan that fits your needs and budget.

We recommend every six months for most patients. Some people with gum disease, diabetes, or other health conditions may need more frequent visits to maintain optimal oral health.

While we're out-of-network with insurance providers, we file claims with major companies including Delta Dental, MetLife, Aetna, and Standard Insurance. This often gives us more freedom to recommend the best treatments for your specific needs.

Arrive 15 minutes early with your ID and insurance cards. Brush and floss normally beforehand - we're here to help, not judge! Come with any questions or concerns about your oral health.

We combine modern technology with old-fashioned personal attention. You'll never feel rushed, and we'll always explain what we're doing and why. Our goal is to make dental visits something you don't dread.

While tooth extraction followed by replacement with an implant or bridge is possible, saving your natural tooth through root canal therapy is usually the best option for your long-term oral health and is typically less expensive.

Most patients return to work or normal activities the same day or the day after their procedure. Any discomfort is typically mild and easily managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.

Yes, since we use only local anesthesia, you can safely drive yourself home immediately after the procedure. You'll be fully alert and comfortable.

While we're out-of-network with insurance providers, we file all claims for you and work to maximize your benefits. Root canal therapy is typically covered as a major procedure by most dental insurance plans.

Simply maintain your regular oral hygiene routine and attend routine checkups. The treated tooth doesn't require any special care beyond normal brushing and flossing.

Delaying needed root canal treatment allows infection to spread, leading to increased pain, potential tooth loss, and more extensive treatment. Early treatment is always more comfortable and less expensive.

With proper care and regular dental checkups, a tooth treated with root canal therapy can last a lifetime. The key is maintaining good oral hygiene and protecting the restored tooth.

We recommend avoiding hard or chewy foods for the first few days after treatment. You'll be able to return to normal eating habits once any tenderness subsides and your permanent restoration is placed.

Most root canal treatments are completed in one appointment lasting about 90 minutes. Complex cases may require a second visit, but we'll explain your specific timeline during your consultation.

Modern root canal procedures are virtually painless thanks to effective local anesthesia and advanced techniques. Most patients report being comfortable throughout the procedure and say it feels similar to getting a filling.

Yes, we offer flexible financing options specifically designed for comprehensive treatments like full mouth rehabilitation. We'll work with you to create a payment plan that fits your budget.

If you have multiple missing teeth, extensive decay, gum disease, bite problems, or chronic dental pain, you may benefit from comprehensive treatment. Dr. Ledford will evaluate your condition and explain all your options.

We specialize in helping anxious patients feel comfortable during complex procedures. Our gentle approach, comfort amenities, and clear communication help you feel confident throughout your treatment.

We'll provide specific dietary guidelines for each phase of your treatment. While some temporary restrictions may apply, we work to ensure you can maintain adequate nutrition throughout the process.

We provide comprehensive care instructions and ongoing maintenance schedules. With proper care and regular checkups, your full mouth rehabilitation can last for decades.

While we're out-of-network with insurance providers, we file all claims for you and work to maximize your benefits. Many procedures in full mouth rehabilitation are covered as necessary dental treatment.

Cost varies significantly based on your specific treatment needs. We provide detailed cost estimates upfront and offer flexible financing options to make comprehensive care affordable for your budget.

No, we provide temporary solutions to ensure you never go without teeth. Depending on your treatment plan, we may use immediate dentures, temporary crowns, or other solutions to maintain your appearance and function.

We use advanced anesthesia techniques and pain management protocols to ensure your comfort throughout treatment. Most patients report that the process is much more comfortable than they expected.

Treatment time varies depending on your specific needs, but most full mouth rehabilitations are completed over 3-6 months. We'll provide a detailed timeline during your consultation, including healing periods between procedures.

Care for veneers just like your natural teeth with regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits. Avoid grinding your teeth and don't use them to open packages or bottles.

Not necessarily. Some patients get beautiful results with just 4-6 veneers, while others benefit from 8-10 for a complete smile makeover. We'll recommend the ideal number for your goals and budget.

Veneer costs vary based on how many you need and your specific treatment plan. We provide detailed cost estimates upfront and offer flexible financing to make your dream smile affordable.

You can eat almost everything normally. We recommend avoiding extremely hard foods like ice, hard candies, or using your teeth as tools, but you can enjoy your favorite foods without worry.

Veneers can correct minor to moderate alignment issues, but severely crooked teeth may require orthodontics first. Dr. Ledford will evaluate your specific situation and recommend the best approach.

With our digital smile design process and temporary veneers, you'll see and approve your results before we make them permanent. We work closely with you to ensure you absolutely love your new smile.

While the veneer itself can't decay, your natural tooth underneath can still develop cavities along the edges. Maintaining excellent oral hygiene prevents this and keeps your veneers looking beautiful.

Absolutely not. Our custom-crafted veneers are designed to look completely natural. We match them perfectly to your facial features, skin tone, and desired appearance so they enhance your natural beauty.

Most patients report minimal discomfort. We use effective local anesthesia during preparation, and any sensitivity afterward typically resolves within a few days. Many patients are surprised by how comfortable the process is.

With proper care, high-quality porcelain veneers typically last 10-15 years or even longer. Some patients enjoy their veneers for 20+ years with excellent home care and regular dental visits.

We typically recommend waiting until all permanent teeth have erupted, usually around age 16-18. We evaluate each young patient individually to ensure appropriate treatment.

With professional supervision, over-whitening isn't a concern. Dr. Ledford monitors your treatment to ensure optimal results without going beyond what's healthy for your teeth.

We recommend waiting 48 hours before consuming dark beverages like coffee. After that, using a straw and rinsing with water can help maintain your results.

When you consider that professional results last 6-12 months compared to drugstore products that might last 6-8 weeks, professional whitening is actually more cost-effective in the long run.

Whitening only affects natural tooth structure, so crowns, veneers, or fillings won't change color. We can discuss options for achieving a uniform smile if this is a concern.

It's completely normal for teeth to have slightly different natural shades. Your canine teeth are typically darker than your front teeth, and this natural variation will remain after whitening.

While there's no evidence that whitening is harmful during pregnancy, we recommend waiting until after you're finished nursing as a precautionary measure.

Most patients achieve 3-8 shades whiter teeth, though individual results vary based on your starting shade and type of stains. We'll show you realistic expectations during your consultation.

We can still whiten sensitive teeth safely using modified techniques and desensitizing agents. Dr. Ledford will customize your treatment to minimize discomfort while still achieving excellent results.

Professional whitening performed by a dentist is completely safe and won't harm your tooth enamel. The process temporarily opens the pores in your teeth to remove stains, then they naturally close again within 24-48 hours.

Yes! We maintain flexible scheduling specifically for emergency cases and can typically see you the same day you call.

Keep the tooth moist (ideally place it back in the socket or store in milk), and get to our office immediately. Quick action greatly improves the chances of saving your tooth.

While we're out-of-network with most insurance providers, we file claims for you and work to maximize your benefits. We also offer flexible payment options including financing.

If you are experiencing a true emergency, such as significant swelling, uncontrolled bleeding, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or a serious injury to the mouth or face, please go to your nearest emergency room immediately. For all other urgent dental issues, including toothaches, broken teeth, or lost crowns, please call our office and leave a message. We will return your call as soon as possible during normal business hours and make every effort to see you promptly.

Pain relief is our first priority. In most cases, we can provide significant pain reduction within the first few minutes of your appointment through effective anesthesia and treatment.

Severe pain, bleeding, trauma, or any situation that significantly impacts your daily life requires immediate attention. When in doubt, call us - we'd rather see you unnecessarily than have you suffer.

We offer same-day or next-day emergency appointments whenever possible. Don't suffer with dental pain - call us right away for prompt relief.